[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of The Dysmorphic Diva, a captivating solo performance written and performed by Karen Macarah and directed by Susan Morgenstern.
Following a sold-out run at the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival, Karen Macarah brings her deeply moving and brilliantly funny “confessional cabaret,” The Dysmorphic Diva, to the lovely Theatre 68 Arts Complex for a highly anticipated, one-night-only engagement on December 13, 2026. And a two-show run at Santa Monica’s The Braid Theatre on November 7 and 8. (See link below).
There is something inherently magical about a solo show that can strip away the armor of everyday life and leave you entirely disarmed, laughing one minute and blinking back tears the next. I long for such shows and while some come close, The Dysmorphic Diva is that magical show.
At its core, The Dysmorphic Diva is a beautifully crafted journey through the battlefield of self-deprecation toward the hard-won sanctuary of self-acceptance and self-love.
Macarah takes the stage not just as a performer, but as a generous guide through the messy, painful and hilarious realities of body image, identity, and the heavy expectations we place upon ourselves. What made this piece resonant so profoundly for me is her absolute refusal to hide. She lays her vulnerabilities bare, yet she anchors every raw confession with an undeniable, sparkling theatricality.
The narrative framework is brilliantly elevated by Macarah’s seamless transitions between various wildly inventive comedic characters and personal, very funny multimedia elements. These projections and stories are the perfect connective tissue for what is, quite frankly, a masterclass in vocal performance. Macarah possesses a majestic, soulful singing voice that fills the space with an effortless, magnetic resonance and deeply felt emotions.
The musical choices are absolutely stellar, spanning the mid-twentieth century to contemporary Broadway. Macarah masterfully reimagines beloved anthems from iconic shows, including: Cabaret, Falsettos, Pippin, Gypsy, Fiddler on the Roof, The Prom and Merrily We Roll Along….all the favorites impeccably selected to fulfill their role in this wonderful performance.
Each song is meticulously woven into her personal timeline, transforming familiar show tunes into deeply specific, emotionally charged milestones in her own life. Whether she is leaning into the biting wit of a comedic character or delivering a soaring, heart-wrenching ballad, Macarah’s performance remains fiercely authentic.
The Dysmorphic Diva is an exquisite reminder of why we go to the theatre—to see our own fractured pieces reflected back to us with grace, humor and beautiful music. By the time the final notes ring out, Macarah leaves her audience feeling uplifted, empowered, and entirely convinced that life is, indeed, a cabaret.
Do not miss this electrifying, unforgettable evening of storytelling. I love love loved it!!!!
Where:
Theatre 68 Arts Complex
5112 Lankershim Blvd, NoHo Arts District, CA 91601
The Braid
3435 Ocean Park Blvd. #105, Santa Monica, CA, 90405
When:
Theatre 68 Arts Complex – December 13 at 4pm
The Braid – November 7 @ 7pm and 8 @ 2pm
Tickets:
Theatre 68 Arts Complex
https://theatre68artscomplex.stagey.net/projects/15203?tab=tickets
The Braid